HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – Grissom’s Jake Rufe remembers his freshman season as a turning point in his soccer career, when all the seniors pushed him to become better.

Rufe, a midfielder who recently finished his senior season, developed into a standout on both defense and offense, and the Indiana signee capped his career by being named the All-Tennessee Valley Boys Soccer Player of the Year.

“I think it’s a really big honor,” said Rufe, who is taking classes at Indiana this summer while training with a National Premier Soccer League team in Indianapolis. “There’s a bunch of really good players that really could’ve been named for this season, so it’s a really good honor.”

At 6-foot-2 and 160 pounds, Rufe had seven goals and six assists for the Tigers who finished 18-8 and advanced to the second round of the Class 6A playoffs. Rufe was also named the Gatorade Alabama Boys Soccer Player of the Year.

He had a short summer break after graduation before leaving June 5 to start his classes and working out with the Indiana training staff. “Just trying to stay in shape and clean up a few things with my game,” he said.

Grissom coach Steve Van Horn appreciated the latest honor for his former player.

“I think it’s great,” Van Horn said. “I think Jake deserves it – his work ethic on the field, his attitude off the field. I think he’s very deserving. I know he’s up against some very good players in the area as far as competition goes. I think he deserves it. I couldn’t be happier for him.”

Rufe started every game all four years at Grissom. Van Horn said Rufe was not a flashy player but his overall ability set him apart.

“It’s just the little things he does so well that makes him such a good player,” Van Horn said.